and start habits that are less harmful to the environment.

The campaign was launched after a survey of 50 top local firms showed only 10 had formal green policies.

But 47 of the companies wanted to learn more about helping the environment with their office practices.

Now managers are being invited to a "green office'' seminar on Earth Day, April 22.

The campaign was launched yesterday by accountancy firm Kempe and Whittle, the Chamber of Commerce and Works and Engineering, who between them are organising the seminar.

Kempe and Whittle partner Mr. Gil Tucker says the firm has saved thousands of dollars by cutting down on paper and power and by recycling equipment like toner cartridges.

The firm estimates it saves more than $70 a year for each personal computer turned off at the end of the day.

It has produced a booklet outlining its green policies in a bid to get more companies to adopt them.

The firm: Re-uses paper which is blank on one side.

Reminds staff to switch off lights and machines that aren't needed.

Recycles cans, bottles and newspapers.

Refuses to use disposable cups or plates, and; Researches new ideas with a special environmental committee.

It is also urging companies to dispose of fluorescent light tubes properly, buy less harmful cleaning materials and office supplies, and encourage new businesses that recycle equipment like printer ribbons.

Bermuda firms produce 32,000 tons of waste a year -- including 13,000 tons of paper. About 250,000 trees are needed to make that paper.

And Mr. Tucker believes Kempe and Whittle is helping to cut down that mountain.

"Paper recycling is the most beneficial policy,'' he said. "We generate a lot of paper and by recycling it we seem to get the greatest savings. `Save a tree' seems to be the phrase here.'' Ms Carolyn Mello, the chamber's executive vice-president, said it was challenging all firms to adopt formal green policies.

"We're hoping to trigger a whole new recycling spirit in the business community.'' Ms Jane Brett, waste education officer at Works and Engineering, said firms needed to be shown how easy it was to be green.

"Waste is expensive to get rid of. Once you produce it you have to collect it and dispose of it. And it's going to be more expensive to burn it in the incinerator than to put it in a landfill.'' The seminar will reveal plans for environmental awards for companies.